Who wouldn’t like to have a whiter smile? Over time our teeth slowly become stained and yellowed due to staining agents, imperfect hygiene habits, and (unfortunately) aging. Luckily, there are several easy ways to keep your teeth bright and white. Scroll down to learn how to prevent stained teeth.
How to Prevent Stained Teeth
To prevent stained teeth, you will need to follow two basic steps: (1) reduce your intake of staining agents like coffee, cola, and red wine, and (2) clean your teeth well using effective oral hygiene. In addition, if your teeth are already stained, there are several safe and efficient technologies available these days to whiten a dingy smile. Let’s get started . . .
#1: Avoid staining agents.
First, avoid foods and drinks that are darkly colored or acidic (acid erodes tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of stains). You may hear these items referred to as “staining agents.” For example, you would do well to avoid the following foods and drinks:
- Wine, especially red wine
- Tea, especially black tea
- Soda, especially dark cola
- Sports drinks
- Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, and grapes
- Sauces, like soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curry sauce
- Sweets, such as hard candies and popsicles
I think most of us would agree that it would be very difficult to eliminate all of the items above from our diets. Instead of eliminating them completely, try to reduce your intake and become more aware of the staining agents you eat and drink on a regular basis. And of course, you will need to avoid tobacco (whether smoked or chewed), one of the worst staining agents around. Quitting smoking can be hard, so you may need to ask your doctor for advice.
#2: Care for your teeth.
When you’re drinking staining agents, use a straw so that the drink doesn’t touch your teeth. Drink a lot of water as well, and try to swish the water around your mouth to rinse off any staining agents. You could also chew sugarless gum. Finally, don’t forget about basic dental hygiene. Ideally, to avoid stains, you should brush your teeth about 30 minutes after every meal. At the very least, brush twice each day and floss once each day. In addition, schedule an appointment with your dentist about once every six months for a thorough, professional cleaning.
#3: Use a whitening treatment.
If your teeth are already stained, ask your dentist about teeth whitening options. Although you could try drugstore products like toothpaste and whitening strips, you will have better results if you use a professional product recommended by your dentist. Most dentists offer in-office appointments (which are incredibly quick and easy) and take-home trays (which take more time but offer more privacy). There are a variety of teeth whitening options. After your whitening treatment, use the tips above to prevent future stains.
Looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist to whiten your teeth? If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Dr. Wilkinson and his team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!